1. GARAGE | CARPORT | STORAGE SHEDS
HOME PREPARATION CHECKLIST
CLEAN EVERYTHING
FIX ANYTHING BROKEN
FRESHEN WITH PAINT
A clean home speaks volumes to buyers. It says the home is well cared for and in good repair. It shows a pride in ownership and that puts the buyers at ease. A messy or dirty home puts buyers on alert, and they will tend to look for every flaw and reason to offer less or nothing at all. \
And if it can’t be fixed, replace or eliminate altogether. Fix plumbing leaks, electrical systems, light switches & plates, window screens, doors that squeak, slider doors and screens that stick, windows that don’t open, seal gaps around windows and kitchen & bath grout.
Paint is the most economical improvement you can make. It is often a better solution than deep cleaning and it makes a room seem new. P{aint in neutral colors like off-white or egg shell will help brighten a room, and make it appear to be a lot larger than it is.
OUTSIDE THE HOUSE
INSIDE THE HOUSE
UTILITY AREAS
Your Closets will be seen!!!
Clean around outdoor trash cans and service areas
Paint inside closets, if needed
Laundry: Clean behind washer & dryer
Repair leaky Faucets
Keep closets clean and clutter free
Laundry: eliminate odors like mildew
Roll up garden hoses
Pack up or remove unnecessary items
Laundry: keep appliance tops free of clutter
Remove cobwebs in corners, light fixtures, front door
Repair sliding doors
HEATING & AC UNITS
Paint or varnish the Front door
Lubricate door channels if needed
Polish door hardware, replace rusty front door handles
Vacuum
Ideal look: half empty & highly organized! (group colors)
Test doorbell and knocker.
Replace filter
Clean oil stains from friveway and garage floor
IN ALL ROOMS: clam, pay attention to:
Vacuum and wash air instake vent
Patch holes and cracks in driveway.
Doors & frames
Remove items stored around units
Clean the garage floor and clear of loose articles
Windows
Set thermostat to run extra cool in summer
Replace or clean house numbers
Light switches
Clean fireplace & screens
New Welcome Mats are always a wise investment
Baseboards
GARAGE | CARPORT | STORAGE SHEDS
Repair | Replace | Paint any damaged area
Chair rails
Bright is best—use 100 watt light bulbs
Curtains & Draperies
Trim
Clean floor—keep clutter free
Sliding glass doors : do they glide smoothly?
Wood Siding
Hang up tools & garden equipment when possible
Ceiling fans and light fixtures
Rain Gutters
Eliminate cobwebs
Cobwebs in corners and around curtain rods
Shutters
Remove oil and old paint stains from garage floor
Open up curtains to brighten rooms
Doors
Adjust garage doors—check springs and rails
Fix scratches in wood floors and furniture
Window Frames
Paint wood doors, if needed
Replace cracked, chipped, or broken flooring
Window Glazing
Clean carpet or remove/replace stained or worn ones
FINISHING UP
Screens
Use area rugs in appropriate areas
Prepare a long list of every feature in your home
Fences & Gates
Keeps trash cans empty
Be open to showings every day
Hardware
Make up all beds—all the time
Remember: extra effort brings faster sales, more money
Outdoor Lighting
Fluff pillows, straighten bedspreads
Clean around outdoor trash cans and service areas
Landscaping | Hardscape | Softscape
IN THE KITCHEN
Mow & edge lawn on a regular basis
Keep food and dishes out of sight
Feed & aerate lawn
Clean appliances — remove fingerprints
Seed or patch bare spots in lawn
Clean range hoods, screens, & light bulbs
Water regularly
Clean ovens & stoves
Remove and replace dead and dying plants
Clean areas behind appliances
Prune overgrown shrubbery
Keep floor clean
Cut back or prune vegetation that covers window views
Dust all light fixtures & replace burned out bulbs
CLEAN
Add support stakes to sagging trees and shrubs
Test electrical outlets - do they all work?
Eliminate visible weeds
Deodorize garbage disposal, refrigerator, & dishwasher
Trim around walls—fences—trees
Repair faucets—remove any sink stains
Repair or remove damaged fences
Replace shelf paper in cabinets
Repair or remove damaged fountains/ water features
Organize drawers and cabinets
Repair or remove damaged trellises
Clean out under sink area
Repair or remove damaged gazebos
Repair or remove damaged planters
BATHROOMS must be clean!
Replace broken stepping stones
Shine mirrors
Adjust sprinkler heads & repair any broken/leaky heads
Clean wastebaskets & empty daily
REPAIR
Check automatic times & replace backup battery
Remove non-essentials from cabinets
Cover up unsightly views with fences or shrubs
Towel racks are for fluffy clean towels
Clean & Wash: Windows
Clean shower doors—pay attention to corners
Clean & Wash: Screens
Lubricate any shower door channels
Clean & Wash: Siding
Remove soap residue from holders and tile
Clean & Wash: AC unit
Eliminate mildew or mold on tub/sink/shower
Clean & Wash: Pool equipment
Bleach out stains on sinks—tubs—toilets
Clean & Wash: Outdoor Kitchens / Bar-B-Q
Replace stained/moldy shower curtains & linings
Clean & Wash: Decking
Clean grout
Clean & Wash: Eaves & Front Entry
PAINT
Caulk around tub and shower if needed
Replace Light Bulbs: Porch Lights
Clean exhaust fan / replace if noisy or broken
Complements of:
Replace Light Bulbs: Garage / Carport
Tighten rocking toilets or seats
Replace Light Bulbs: Exterior Lighting
Realty World
Replace mechanism in running toilets
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